The Sony A7V has arrived, and it's the best all-around camera Sony has ever made. The new 33-megapixel sensor is fully backside illuminated and partially stacked, offering faster readouts, higher burst rates, and less rolling shutter than its predecessors.
But what sets the A7V apart from other cameras in its class is its exceptional autofocus system, with subject recognition for six types of subjects and an extra auto mode that can be configured. The camera's ability to track subjects through crowded scenes and re-find them quickly after they disappear from view makes it a standout for both stills and video.
One new feature worth noting is AI Smart Reframe, which allows the camera to zoom and pan around the sensor to keep subjects centered while filming. This feature works surprisingly well, making it ideal for solo vlogs or situations where you need to move in front of the camera without being noticed.
The A7V also gains a pre-burst capture feature from the A9 III, which allows you to take multiple photos before pressing the shutter button. This is particularly useful for wildlife photography and can help you capture the perfect shot.
Other notable upgrades include improved ISO capabilities, with the ability to shoot up to 32,000 ISO without significant noise. The camera's color science has also been significantly improved, especially when it comes to skin tones.
However, one area where the A7V falls short is its menu system, which remains disorganized and difficult to navigate. Sony could do well to hire a UX designer to improve this aspect of the camera.
Overall, if you're coming from a camera that's below the A7IV or already own an A7IV, the A7V is definitely worth considering. Its impressive features make it ideal for wildlife, sports, and video photography, while its exceptional autofocus system and improved ISO capabilities make it a top choice for stills photographers as well.
But if you're not shooting in genres that benefit from these new features, the A7V might not be the best value proposition. In that case, sticking with your existing camera or opting for a lower-cost alternative could be a more budget-friendly option.
In short, the Sony A7V is an excellent all-around camera that excels in both stills and video photography. While it has some minor flaws, its impressive features make it a top choice for many photographers.
But what sets the A7V apart from other cameras in its class is its exceptional autofocus system, with subject recognition for six types of subjects and an extra auto mode that can be configured. The camera's ability to track subjects through crowded scenes and re-find them quickly after they disappear from view makes it a standout for both stills and video.
One new feature worth noting is AI Smart Reframe, which allows the camera to zoom and pan around the sensor to keep subjects centered while filming. This feature works surprisingly well, making it ideal for solo vlogs or situations where you need to move in front of the camera without being noticed.
The A7V also gains a pre-burst capture feature from the A9 III, which allows you to take multiple photos before pressing the shutter button. This is particularly useful for wildlife photography and can help you capture the perfect shot.
Other notable upgrades include improved ISO capabilities, with the ability to shoot up to 32,000 ISO without significant noise. The camera's color science has also been significantly improved, especially when it comes to skin tones.
However, one area where the A7V falls short is its menu system, which remains disorganized and difficult to navigate. Sony could do well to hire a UX designer to improve this aspect of the camera.
Overall, if you're coming from a camera that's below the A7IV or already own an A7IV, the A7V is definitely worth considering. Its impressive features make it ideal for wildlife, sports, and video photography, while its exceptional autofocus system and improved ISO capabilities make it a top choice for stills photographers as well.
But if you're not shooting in genres that benefit from these new features, the A7V might not be the best value proposition. In that case, sticking with your existing camera or opting for a lower-cost alternative could be a more budget-friendly option.
In short, the Sony A7V is an excellent all-around camera that excels in both stills and video photography. While it has some minor flaws, its impressive features make it a top choice for many photographers.